Last year, Amazon launched its range of smart speakers in India, including Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, and Echo Plus. Now, Google is preparing to launch its own smart speakers in India — Google Home and Google Home Mini.
Earlier, we reported that Google is expected to launch its smart speakers in India this month, based on a communication shared by Redington India with its retail partners. Now, the company has sent out media invites for the launch event scheduled on 10th April.
In the latest development, the company has hinted that the devices will be available for purchase exclusively through India’s homegrown online marketplace Flipkart. Google has teased this through Twitter. In a tweet, the company said — “Listen to your favourite tracks without lifting a finger. Just #MakeGoogleDoIt, at home. Register on the Flipkart App to know more.”
Other reports suggest that Google has also added support for Indian-origin music streaming apps Gaana and Saavn, along with its default Google Play Music. Furthermore, the Google Assistant is also set to receive support for Indian English in the coming days. Recently, Hindi language support was rolled out to Google’s virtual assistant.
The Google Home smart speaker was first introduced by the search engine giant back in 2016 in the United States. With the help of the company’s own Google Assistant, the smart speaker can perform various actions like music playback, weather/ time information, setting alarms and reminders, answering queries, and making lists among others.
There is currently no information regarding the pricing and availability details of the speakers in India. We are speculating the Google Home to be priced around Rs. 9,999 (approximately $154) and the Home Mini to cost around Rs. 4,499, which roughly converts to $69.
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Google’s competitor in this smart speakers market in India, Amazon Echo is priced at Rs. 9,999 and the Echo Dot and Echo Plus are priced at Rs. 4,499 and Rs 14,999 respectively.
(Source)
